‘Generational Equity Tour’ Plans Stop at UW

September 20, 2013

While Washington policymakers continue to battle
over the federal budget, members of the millennial generation will come
together Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the University of Wyoming to hear a presentation
by former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson to learn about the nation's growing debt and
how to pressure leaders for solutions.

The event is part of a five-week, cross-country
“Generational Equity Tour” organized by The Can Kicks Back (TCKB), a
nonpartisan campaign led by young people that advocates for a fiscally
sustainable and generationally equitable federal budget. With more than 100 chapters
in 38 states, TCKB aims to mobilize young people to send their messages to
Washington.

“This tour will help young Americans realize that
they have to take part, or they’re going to get taken apart,” says Simpson, a
former co-chair of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform,
and TCKB adviser. “I am so pleased to join the Generational Equity Tour because
there could not be a more important time to engage young people on the issue of
our dramatically growing national debt.”

TCKB will be set up inside the Wyoming Union Oct. 1
from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. to engage with students. Simpson’s keynote presentation
takes place at 6 p.m. in the Wyoming Union Ballroom. Also planned that evening is
a panel discussion by Anne Alexander, UW’s director of international programs,
and Political Science Professor Andrew Garner. Wyoming Public Radio News
Director Bob Beck will serve as moderator.

The Generational Equity Tour follows the release of
a new TCKB report that shows the true size of the national debt, including
future unfunded obligations, exceeds $200 trillion. The tour is building
support for a bipartisan piece of legislation, the INFORM Act, which would
require the government to annually disclose this information.

The event at UW is sponsored by the College of
Business, the Department of Economics and Finance, and the Outreach School.

Photo: Former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson will speak about the
growing national debt at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the University of Wyoming.